Springfield Business Journal_2019-07-29

Employees are in the driver’s seat. In the United States, job opportunities abound, and potential employees are willing – even eager – to relocate for the right opportunity. The Springfield Business Journal 2019 Economic Growth Survey shows us this is true locally as well. Of business leaders, 52% say they expect to hire new employees. Springfield businesses can continue to poach each other’s talent or we can work together to grow the talent pool. It is no longer sufficient for we as business owners to make our company a competitive employer with flex time, attractive work- spaces, robust benefits plans, relaxed dress codes and bring-your- dog-to-work days. Make no mistake those are important to the young professionals we strive to recruit to our area, but where they live and play is equally important as where they work. Richard Ollis said it well at the Economic Growth Survey Forum on demographics in June. Economic development for cities is no longer about attracting busi- nesses, then finding the people. We have to attract the people first, then the businesses. In order for this to happen, we must have a concentrated, united effort toward placemaking, including walkable neighbor- hoods, bike-friendly roads, a thriving center city and multiuse developments like Farmers Park and The Ridge, upcoming, where young professionals can work, live and build social connections. For developments that appeal to young professionals to occur and avoid urban sprawl, we must concentrate on repurposing existing buildings for habitation uses and tearing down dilapi- dated buildings to allow for high- er-density structures. This is not a job to be left only to city staff, City Council and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Every business owner has a stake in the successful recruit- ment of young professionals to our community. If you haven’t already, find how you can join the efforts beyond the needs of your business. by Titus Williams President, Prosperiti Partners LLC SPONSOR LETTER Attracting Young Professionals COLLETTE STUDIOS This is not a job to be left only to city staff, City Council and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Every business owner has a stake in the successful recruitment of young professionals to our community. SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL WORKFORCE / SKILLS 2